Harper on transition in Egypt: ‘That toothpaste won’t go back in the tube’

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – News was just starting to filter out of Egypt that President Hosni Mubarak had stepped down when Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke Friday about what’s in store for the country.

“We are all seeing what’s happening,” Harper told a news conference in St. John’s, N.L., moments before it was confirmed that Mubarak had handed power to the military. “Transition is taking place in Egypt.

“I think the old expression is: ‘They’re not going to put the toothpaste back in the tube on this one.”‘
Harper said Canada would like those in power in Egypt to lead change.

“Get in front of it,” he added. “Be part of it, and make a bright future happen for the people of Egypt.”

Harper stressed as he has since the protests began 18 days ago that Canada wants free and fair elections in Egypt, respect for the rule of law and for human rights.

Harper also said the federal government wants Egypt to respect peace treaties it has signed, and to pursue peace in the Middle East.

The prime minister stopped briefly in St. John’s to tour one of two vessels being added to Marine Atlantic’s ferry service between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.